»Member Memorials

Dorothy Augustine earned her PhD at the University of Southern California and taught at Chapman University in the Department of English for 36 years. Dorothy's Ph.D. was in Rhetoric, Linguistics, and Literature and her specialty was the philosophy of composition.  Dorothy served as the chair of the English Department and was involved in the Writing Across The Curriculum initiative.

It was delightful to see Dorothy the day our Association toured the new Musco Center.  Dorothy's beaming smile and her friendly manner made it easy to talk with her.  -Claudia Horn

Donald Booth earned his Ph.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles.  He was an economics professor at Chapman University from 1959 through 2018. His time at Chapman as a teacher and administrator spanned nearly 60 years, longer than any other faculty or staff member in university history. Don was an educator of extraordinary intellect, drive and compassion.  Booth served in numerous leadership roles during his time at Chapman, including as the first chair of Corporate Faculty from 1966-68, vice president of Academic Affairs and Dean of College from 1977-78.

Tom Bradac graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Masters degree as well as a teaching credential. He came to Chapman in 1990 and soon made extraordinary contributions to the Department of Theater. Tom's acting endeavours included his captivating performaces and iconic roles such as Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing, and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

Dave Currey came to Chapman University in 1990 after coaching at Stanford, UCLA, Long Beach State and the University of Cincinnati.  Currey oversaw Chapman athletics for 25 years. He helmed Chapman’s transition from Division II to Division III athletics, which led to the university entering the prestigious Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC).

Under Currey’s leadership, Chapman went from being a Division II program... to what I think is now one of the leading Division III programs in the nation with more than 500 students participating, and state-of-the-art facilities. James Doti, President, Chapman University.

Nancy Dickson-Lewis came to Chapman University as an adjunct in 1986 after a busy career in professional dance, choreography and teaching.  In 1999 she joined the full-time faculty and then in 2012 she became the chair of the Dance department.  Her many professional engagements, such as her post as artistic director of Dance Theatre West, a modern dance company based in Orange County attest to her in-demand skills.

Margery Enix earned her Batchelor of Music and Ph.D. degrees at Indiana University.  Her teaching career in the Music Department at Chapman University began in 1976.  She taught cello, music theory and music history.  She was an active performer on the cello and was known for her extensive research and writings on Rudolf Matz, a distinguished figure in the history of the cello.  Her teaching was remembered by decades of students who were inspired by this master teacher, performer and historian.

One of the highlights of my career was to perform in a quintet with Dr. Enix playing music by Luigi Boccherini at the very outset of my career at Chapman University.  An unforgettable experience!  -Jeff Cogan, Professor Emeritus, COPA

Rosemary Fahey earned degrees from Ohio State University and Cal State University, Northridge. She also had Ed.D. from Pepperdine University.  She began teaching at Chapman University in 1987 and specialized in the Reading Program, Program Coordination, Secondary Teacher Preparation and single subject students.  She retired in 2003.  

Rosemary was always very kind to me…She helped me learn the ropes of the teacher education program in her gentle and sweet ways. -Professor Suzanne SooHoo

Michael C. Martin Earned his Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley.  He began teaching at Chapman in 1980 and acheived the rank of associate professor of music.  His teaching included music history, theory, composition and piano instruction.  He was also a frequent piano recitalist at Chapman and elsewhere performing new music, his own compositions and the music of Franz Schubert, Schoenberg and Webern. He also directed Chapman’s 20th Century Chamber Music Series.  He was awarded the George Ladd Prix de Paris in composition and retired in 2006. 

Marv Meyer earned the following degrees:  Calvin College, A.B., 1970; Calvin Theological Seminary, M.Div., 1974; Claremont Graduate University, Ph.D., 1979.

He became the Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies, co-chair of Department of Religious Studies, and director of Albert Schweitzer Institute.  He was also a visiting professor at Barnard College, Columbia University, 1978-79, and University of California, Santa Barbara, 1979-80.

James C. Miller, professor emeritus at Chapman University and longtime inspiration to generations of students, earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees at the University of North Texas.  He began teaching at Chapman in 1956 and continued there for nearly 60 years. While there, he had 13 different offices and taught classes in seven departments.  He also taught night school for many years in San Pedro and in the federal prison at nearby Terminal Island.  He was known to countless classes because of his high expectations for his students, and for his homespun “Things Mama Said” maxims.

Patricia See earned her Ph.D. at Mississippi State University and came to Chapman University in 1967.  Her tenure lasted for over 50 years.  Dr. See was a pillar of the Sociology Department. She taught courses in microsociology, the sociology of consciousness, holistic health, and her legendary course in marriage and the family.  Dr. See worked tirelessly to create a campus culture in which female, minority, and economically disadvantaged students could thrive.

Jane Sinclair earned a BFA from the University of Texas, Austin, and an MFA from The University of Illinois, Urbana. She also won the Kinley Foundation Grant and attended The American Academy in Rome. She taught art and art history at Chapman University (then College).  Professor Sinclair was an essential part of the Department of Art for over three decades. As a teacher of painting, drawing, and art history from 1965 to 2001, she had a huge impact on several generations of Chapman art students.  She retired in 2001.

Barbara Benham Tye earned her Ed.D from Texas Tech University.  Barbara's tenure at Chapman University spanned from 1983 to 2008, during which she served as the inaugural Dean of the then School of Education (1989-1993) and later as a professor until her retirement.  Her early career was marked by a Fulbright year in Afghanistan (1966-67), where she conducted folklore research.  Her additional research focused on global education, school change, and deep structure theory in schools.

Beverly Weatherill '50 was an Alumna of Chapman University.  She was the spouse of Emeritus professor, Dave Weatherill.  Beverly was an elementary school teacher for 30 years.  She earned her master's degree at UCLA.  According to a Chapman Newsroom article dated 3/13/2023, Beverly was asked by the Fullerton School District in the late 1960's "to write their health curriculum for middle school students. She was Ex Officio Trustee in 1997.

Don Will earned his Ph.D. in International Studies from the University of Denver.  He was professor of political science and holder of the Delp-Wilkinson Chair in Peace Studies.  He served Chapman in many different roles, from president of the Faculty Senate to chair of the Political Science Department to associate dean of Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences.  He mentored many students each year, including as an adviser and a friend to the members of the Black Student Union. The Peace Studies program will always be indebted to Dr. Will for its outstanding reputation, magnetic draw on students and uncanny ability to inspire greatness in young people.  -President James Doti